JP6490963B2 - Optical display component alignment apparatus and optical display component alignment method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an alignment device for an optical display component such as a liquid crystal panel and an alignment method for the optical display component.
This application claims priority based on Japan Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-054221 for which it applied on March 12, 2012, and uses the content here.

  Conventionally, in a production system of an optical display device in which a panel-like optical display component such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel is conveyed by a conveying means such as a conveyor, a film-like optical member is bonded to the optical display component. An optical display component may be aligned so that the bonding position of a member may be determined. The detection of the alignment mark or the like of the optical display component is performed, for example, by irradiating a predetermined portion of the optical display component with light and capturing the reflected light image with a camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4307510

In the production system described above, panel-shaped optical display components are often handled in units of cassettes packaged in units of a plurality of sheets, and at this time, the alignment mark of the optical display component is provided at a predetermined position instead of a desired position. There are many cases. In this case, a desired alignment mark may not always exist on the leading side in the transport direction of the optical display component.
That is, for example, if there is at least a pair of alignment marks on the front side in the transport direction of the optical display component, alignment can be performed promptly when the front side in the transport direction of the optical display component reaches a predetermined position. If the alignment mark does not exist, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the image pickup apparatus is reduced and a means for extra rotation of the optical display component is required, leading to an increase in size and complexity of the equipment.

  The aspect which concerns on this invention aims at suppressing the enlargement and complication of an installation in the alignment apparatus of an optical display component, and the alignment method of an optical display component.

The present invention employs the following aspects in order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object.
(1) An optical display component alignment apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an imaging device that images a predetermined portion of the outermost edge of a black matrix in a display region of the optical display component; and at least a part of the predetermined portion as an alignment reference A control unit that performs alignment of the optical display component, and the imaging device is disposed on one of the front and back sides of the optical display component and irradiates light toward the predetermined location, and the optical display A component width that is disposed on the other side of the component and has a camera that receives light from the illumination unit that has passed through the predetermined portion and images the predetermined portion, and that is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the optical display component Provided on at least one of the two sides in the direction, and picks up an image of the outermost edge of the black matrix at the leading corner in the transport direction.

( 2 ) In the above aspect ( 1 ), the control unit may detect a vertex of the corner and use the vertex as an alignment reference.
( 3 ) In the above aspect ( 1 ), the imaging device may be configured to be movable in the component width direction.

( 4 ) In any one of the above aspects (1) to (3) , the imaging device includes a light diffusing plate disposed between the predetermined portion and the illumination unit on one side of the front and back sides of the optical display component. The structure which has may be sufficient.

( 5 ) An optical display component alignment method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a step of imaging a predetermined portion of the outermost edge of the black matrix in a display region of the optical display component; and using at least a part of the predetermined portion as an alignment reference Alignment of the optical display component, and in the imaging step, an illumination unit that is disposed on one side of the optical display component and irradiates light toward the predetermined location, and the optical display component And a camera that receives the light of the illumination unit that is transmitted through the predetermined portion and images the predetermined portion, and is arranged on both sides in the component width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction in the optical display component. At least one of them picks up an image of the corner of the outermost edge of the black matrix on the leading side in the transport direction.

According to each of the above aspects of the present invention, even when the desired alignment mark is not present on the front side in the transport direction of the optical display component, the predetermined portion of the outermost edge of the black matrix in the display area of the optical display component is set to the main or sub It can be used as an alignment reference, and there is no need for measures such as lowering the degree of freedom of arrangement of the image pickup device or requiring extra means for rotating the optical display components, thereby reducing the size and complexity of production system equipment. be able to.
Further, the outer edge portion of the optical display component itself is relatively likely to be stained or chipped, and if the portion is used as an alignment reference, it is likely to cause a reading failure, but the black matrix located on the inner side of the outer edge portion By using the predetermined portion of the outermost edge as an alignment reference, it is possible to reliably read the alignment reference and improve the stability of system operation.

It is a schematic block diagram of the film bonding system of the optical display device in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is A arrow directional view of FIG. It is a top view of the liquid crystal panel in the embodiment concerning the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the optical sheet in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a side view of an inspection device periphery in the embodiment concerning the present invention. It is a top view around the said inspection apparatus. It is explanatory drawing before image processing of the imaging data of the said inspection apparatus. It is explanatory drawing after the image processing of the said imaging data.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a film bonding system 1 of the present embodiment. The film bonding system (optical display device production system) 1 bonds a film-shaped optical member such as a polarizing film, an antireflection film, or a light diffusion film to a panel-shaped optical display component such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. To do. The film bonding system 1 is configured as a part of a production system that produces an optical display device including the optical display component and the optical member. In the film bonding system 1, a liquid crystal panel (optical display component) P is used as the optical display component.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the liquid crystal panel P as viewed from the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer P3. The liquid crystal panel P includes a first substrate P1 that has a rectangular shape in plan view, a second substrate P2 that has a relatively small rectangular shape disposed to face the first substrate P1, a first substrate P1, and a second substrate. And a liquid crystal layer P3 sealed between the substrate P2. The liquid crystal panel P has a rectangular shape that conforms to the outer shape of the first substrate P1 in plan view, and a region that fits inside the outer periphery of the liquid crystal layer P3 in plan view is defined as a display region P4.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sheet F including the optical member F1 bonded to the liquid crystal panel P. The optical sheet F is separated into one surface of the optical member F1 through the adhesive layer F2 provided on one surface (the upper surface in the drawing) of the optical member F1, the optical member F1, and the adhesive layer F2. It has separator F3 laminated | stacked possible and the surface protection film F4 laminated | stacked on the other surface (in the figure lower surface) of the optical member F1. The optical member F1 functions as a polarizing plate, and is bonded over the entire display area P4 of the liquid crystal panel P and its peripheral area. For convenience of illustration, hatching of each layer in FIG. 4 is omitted.

  The optical member F1 is bonded to the liquid crystal panel P via the adhesive layer F2 in a state where the separator F3 is separated while leaving the adhesive layer F2 on one surface thereof. Hereinafter, the part remove | excluding the separator F3 from the optical sheet F is called the bonding sheet | seat F5.

  The separator F3 protects the adhesive layer F2 and the optical member F1 until it is separated from the adhesive layer F2. The surface protective film F4 is bonded to the liquid crystal panel P together with the optical member F1. The surface protective film F4 is disposed on the side opposite to the liquid crystal panel P with respect to the optical member F1, protects the optical member F1, and is separated from the optical member F1 at a predetermined timing. In addition, the structure which the optical sheet F does not contain the surface protection film F4, or the structure where the surface protection film F4 is not isolate | separated from the optical member F1 may be sufficient.

  The optical member F1 includes a sheet-like polarizer F6, a first film F7 bonded to one surface of the polarizer F6 with an adhesive or the like, and a first film F7 bonded to the other surface of the polarizer F6 with an adhesive or the like. And two films F8. The first film F7 and the second film F8 are protective films that protect the polarizer F6, for example.

  Note that the optical member F1 may have a single-layer structure including a single optical layer or a stacked structure in which a plurality of optical layers are stacked on each other. In addition to the polarizer F6, the optical layer may be a retardation film, a brightness enhancement film, or the like. At least one of the first film F7 and the second film F8 may be subjected to a surface treatment that provides an effect such as anti-glare including hard coat treatment and anti-glare treatment for protecting the outermost surface of the liquid crystal display element. The optical member F1 may not include at least one of the first film F7 and the second film F8. For example, when the first film F7 is omitted, the separator F3 may be bonded to one surface of the optical member F1 via the adhesive layer F2.

  Hereinafter, the film bonding system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The right side in the figure shows the upstream side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P (hereinafter referred to as the panel transport upstream side), and the left side in the figure shows the downstream side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P (hereinafter referred to as the panel transport downstream side). And

  The film bonding system 1 sequentially performs a predetermined process on the liquid crystal panel P while transporting the liquid crystal panel P from the start position to the end position of the bonding process using, for example, a driving roller conveyor 5. The liquid crystal panel P is conveyed on the roller conveyor 5 with its front and back surfaces being horizontal.

  The roller conveyor 5 is divided into an upstream conveyor 6 and a downstream conveyor 7 with a first reversing device 15 described in detail later as a boundary. For example, the liquid crystal panel P is transported in the direction in which the short side of the display area P4 is along the transport direction in the upstream conveyor 6 and in the direction in which the long side of the display area P4 is along the transport direction in the downstream conveyor 7. Be transported. The bonding sheet F5 cut out to a predetermined length from the belt-shaped optical sheet F is bonded to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal panel P. Each part of the film bonding system 1 is comprehensively controlled by the control part 20 as an electronic control apparatus.

  The film bonding system 1 includes a first adsorbing device 11 that adsorbs the liquid crystal panel P conveyed to the end position of the upstream process and conveys it to the initial position of the upstream conveyor 6 and aligns the liquid crystal panel P, and the initial position. The first dust collector 12 provided on the downstream side of the panel transport, the first bonding device 13 provided on the downstream side of the panel transport with respect to the first dust collector 12, and the panel transport with respect to the first paste device 13. The first deviation inspection device 14 provided on the downstream side, and the liquid crystal panel P provided on the downstream side of the panel conveyance from the first deviation inspection device 14 and reaching the end position of the upstream conveyor 6 are moved to the initial position of the downstream conveyor 7. And a first reversing device 15 that conveys the

  Moreover, the film bonding system 1 is provided with a second dust collector 16 provided on the downstream side of the panel transport from the initial position of the downstream conveyor 7 and a second dust collector provided on the downstream side of the panel transport with respect to the second dust collector 16. A bonding device 17, a second displacement inspection device 18 provided on the panel conveyance downstream side with respect to the second bonding device 17, and a second reversing device 19 provided on the panel conveyance downstream side with respect to the second displacement inspection device 18. And a defect inspection device 21 provided on the downstream side of the panel conveyance with respect to the second reversing device 19.

  The first suction device 11 holds the liquid crystal panel P and freely conveys it in the vertical and horizontal directions and aligns the liquid crystal panel P. For example, the first suction device 11 is provided in the panel holding portion 11a. And an alignment camera (camera) 11b for detecting the alignment reference.

  The panel holding part 11a holds the upper surface of the liquid crystal panel P transported to the end position of the upstream process by vacuum suction and keeps the liquid crystal panel P in a horizontal state at the starting position of the bonding process (upstream conveyor 6). Then, the suction is released at the position and the liquid crystal panel P is transferred to the upstream conveyor 6.

  For example, the alignment camera 11b images from the lower side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P that has reached the end position of the upstream process (downstream side) from below. The imaging data of the alignment camera 11b is transmitted to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 operates the panel holding unit 11a based on the imaging data. Thereby, alignment of liquid crystal panel P with respect to the upstream conveyor 6 is made. At this time, the liquid crystal panel P is positioned with respect to the upstream conveyor 6 in the horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as the component width direction) orthogonal to the transport direction, and the rotational direction around the vertical axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the rotational direction). Positioning with is performed. The alignment camera 11b is a part of the imaging device 10 described later.

The 1st dust collector 12 is provided in the panel conveyance upstream in the vicinity of the bonding position of the 1st bonding apparatus 13, and the static electricity removal of the lower surface side of liquid crystal panel P just before being introduced into the bonding position And collect dust.
The 1st bonding apparatus 13 bonds the bonding sheet | seat F5 cut into predetermined size with respect to the lower surface of liquid crystal panel P introduced into the bonding position.

  The first laminating device 13 includes a transport device 22 that transports the optical sheet F along its longitudinal direction while unwinding the optical sheet F from the original roll R1 around which the optical sheet F is wound, and the transport device 22 is optical. A pressing roll 23 is provided that bonds the bonding sheet F5 having a predetermined length separated from the sheet F to the lower surface of the liquid crystal panel P conveyed by the upstream conveyor 6.

  The conveying device 22 conveys the bonding sheet F5 using the separator F3 as a carrier, and holds the raw roll R1 around which the belt-shaped optical sheet F is wound and roll holding the optical sheet F along its longitudinal direction. Half cut on the optical sheet F on the conveyance path, the plurality of guide rollers 22b for winding the optical sheet F so as to guide the optical sheet F unwound from the portion 22a, the original roll R1, and the predetermined conveyance path A cutting device 22c for applying a sheet, a knife edge 22d for supplying the bonding sheet F5 to a bonding position while separating the bonding sheet F5 from the separator F3 by winding the optical sheet F subjected to a half cut at an acute angle, and a knife A winding portion 22e that holds a separator roll R2 that winds up the separator F3 that has become independent through the edge 22d.

  The roll holding unit 22a positioned at the start point of the transport device 22 and the winding unit 22e positioned at the end point of the transport device 22 are driven in synchronization with each other, for example. Thereby, the winding unit 22e winds up the separator F3 that has passed through the knife edge 22d while the roll holding unit 22a feeds the optical sheet F in the transport direction. Hereinafter, the upstream side in the transport direction of the optical sheet F (separator F3) in the transport device 22 is referred to as a sheet transport upstream side, and the downstream side in the transport direction is referred to as a sheet transport downstream side.

  Each guide roller 22b changes the traveling direction of the optical sheet F being conveyed along the conveyance path, and at least a part of the plurality of guide rollers 22b is movable so as to adjust the tension of the optical sheet F being conveyed. .

The cutting device 22c cuts a part in the thickness direction of the optical sheet F over the entire width in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the optical sheet F when the optical sheet F is fed out by a predetermined length (half cutting is performed). ).
The cutting device 22c adjusts the advancing / retreating position of the cutting blade so that the optical sheet F (separator F3) is not broken by the tension acting during the conveyance of the optical sheet F (so that a predetermined thickness remains in the separator F3). The half cut is performed up to the vicinity of the interface between the adhesive layer F2 and the separator F3. In addition, you may use the laser apparatus replaced with a cutting blade.

  In the optical sheet F after half-cutting, the optical member F1 and the surface protection film F4 are cut in the thickness direction, whereby a cut line extending over the entire width in the width direction of the optical sheet F is formed. A plurality of cutting lines are formed so as to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped optical sheet F. For example, in the case of the bonding process which conveys liquid crystal panel P of the same size, a plurality of score lines are formed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of optical sheet F. The optical sheet F is divided into a plurality of sections in the longitudinal direction by the plurality of cut lines. Each section sandwiched between a pair of cut lines adjacent in the longitudinal direction in the optical sheet F is a sheet piece in the bonding sheet F5.

  The knife edge 22d is disposed below the upstream conveyor 6 and extends in the width direction of the optical sheet F at least over its entire width. The knife edge 22d is wound so as to come into sliding contact with the separator F3 side of the optical sheet F after half-cutting.

  The knife edge 22d is seen from the width direction of the optical sheet F above the first surface, and the first surface arranged in an inclined position when viewed from the width direction of the optical sheet F (the width direction of the upstream conveyor 6). It has the 2nd surface arrange | positioned at an acute angle with respect to a 1st surface, and the front-end | tip part where a 1st surface and a 2nd surface cross.

  The knife edge 22d winds the optical sheet F at an acute angle at its tip. The optical sheet F separates the sheet piece of the bonding sheet F5 from the separator F3 when turning back at an acute angle at the tip of the knife edge 22d. The tip end of the knife edge 22d is arranged close to the panel conveyance downstream side of the pinching roll 23. The bonding sheet F5 separated from the separator F3 by the knife edge 22d is introduced between the pair of bonding rolls of the pressure roll 23 while overlapping the lower surface of the liquid crystal panel P conveyed by the upstream conveyor 6.

  The pinching roll 23 has a pair of bonding rollers 23a that are arranged with their axial directions parallel to each other. A predetermined gap is formed between the pair of bonding rollers 23 a, and the inside of this gap is the bonding position of the first bonding device 13. The liquid crystal panel P and the bonding sheet F5 are overlapped and introduced into the gap. These liquid crystal panel P and the bonding sheet | seat F5 are sent out to a panel conveyance downstream, being pinched by each bonding roller 23a. Thereby, the bonding sheet | seat F5 is integrally bonded by the lower surface of liquid crystal panel P. FIG. Hereinafter, the panel after this bonding is called single-sided bonding panel P11.

  The first displacement inspection device 14 is whether or not the position of the bonding sheet F5 bonded by the first bonding device 13 in the single-sided bonding panel P11 with respect to the liquid crystal panel P is appropriate (whether the displacement is within the tolerance range). )). The first deviation inspection device 14 includes a pair of cameras 14a that image the edges of the bonding sheet F5 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the single-sided bonding panel P11, for example. Imaging data from each camera 14a is transmitted to the control unit 20, and it is determined based on this imaging data whether or not the relative positions of the bonding sheet F5 and the liquid crystal panel P are appropriate. The single-sided bonding panel P11 determined to have an inappropriate relative position is discharged out of the system by a not-shown payout means.

  The first reversing device 15 includes, for example, a rotation shaft 15a inclined at 45 ° in a plan view with respect to the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P, the final position of the upstream conveyor 6 and the downstream conveyor 7 via the rotation shaft 15a. And a reversing arm 15b supported between the first starting positions. The reversing arm 15b holds the single-sided bonding panel P11 that has reached the terminal position of the upstream conveyor 6 through the first displacement inspection device 14 by suction or clamping, and the reversing arm 15b is rotated 180 ° around the rotation shaft 15a. By rotating, the front and back of the single-sided bonding panel P11 are reversed and, for example, the single-sided bonding panel P11 that has been transferred in parallel with the short side of the display area P4 is transferred in parallel with the long side of the display area P4. To change direction.

  The inversion is performed when the optical members F1 to be bonded to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal panel P are arranged so that the polarization axis directions are perpendicular to each other. The upstream conveyor 6 and the downstream conveyor 7 both have the direction from the right side to the left side of the drawing as the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P, but the upstream conveyor 6 and the downstream conveyor pass through the first reversing device 15. 7 is offset by a predetermined amount in plan view. That is, by passing through the first reversing device 15, the displacement of the arrangement between the upstream conveyor 6 and the downstream conveyor 7 is offset.

  In the case of simply reversing the front and back of the liquid crystal panel P, for example, a reversing device having a reversing arm having a rotation axis parallel to the transport direction may be used. In this case, if the sheet conveying direction of the first laminating device 13 and the sheet conveying direction of the second laminating device 17 are arranged at right angles to each other in plan view, the polarization axis directions are perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal panel P. The optical member F1 made can be pasted.

  The reversing arm 15b has an alignment function similar to that of the panel holding portion 11a of the first suction device 11. The first reversing device 15 is provided with an alignment camera 11b (imaging device 10) similar to the first suction device 11.

The second dust collecting device 16 is provided near the bonding position of the second bonding device 17 on the upstream side of the panel conveyance, and static electricity on the lower surface side of the single-sided bonding panel P11 immediately before being introduced into the bonding position. Remove dust and collect dust.
The 2nd bonding apparatus 17 bonds the bonding sheet | seat F5 cut into the predetermined size with respect to the lower surface of the single-sided bonding panel P11 introduced into the bonding position. The 2nd bonding apparatus 17 is provided with the conveying apparatus 22 and the pinching roll 23 similar to said 1st bonding apparatus 13. FIG.

  The single-sided bonding panel P11 and the bonding sheet F5 are introduced into the gap between the pair of bonding rollers 23a of the pinching roll 23 (the bonding position of the second bonding device 17), and single-sided bonding is performed. A bonding sheet F5 is integrally bonded to the lower surface of the combined panel P11. Hereinafter, the panel after this bonding is called double-sided bonding panel P12.

  Whether or not the position of the bonding sheet F5 bonded by the second bonding apparatus 17 in the double-sided bonding panel P12 with respect to the liquid crystal panel P is appropriate for the second shift inspection apparatus 18 (whether the position shift is within the tolerance range). )). The second misalignment inspection apparatus 18 includes a pair of cameras 18a that image the edge of the bonding sheet F5 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the double-sided bonding panel P12, for example. The imaging data by each camera 18a is transmitted to the control unit 20, and it is determined based on this imaging data whether the relative positions of the bonding sheet F5 and the liquid crystal panel P are appropriate. The double-sided bonded panel P12 determined to have an inappropriate relative position is discharged out of the system by a not-shown payout means.

The second reversing device 19 inverts the front and back of the liquid crystal panel P (double-sided bonding panel P12) with the backlight side facing up through the first reversing device 15 and displays the same as when carrying into the film bonding system 1. Face up.
The defect inspection device 21 applies light from the lower surface side (backlight side) to the liquid crystal panel P (double-sided bonding panel P12) with the display surface side facing upward through the second reversing device 19, and the upper surface side (display surface). The image is taken by the camera 21a from the side), and the presence / absence of a defect (such as poor bonding) of the double-sided bonding panel P12 is inspected based on this imaging data.

  Next, alignment of the liquid crystal panel P performed in the present embodiment will be described. In addition, although the following description describes about the example which aligns with the 1st adsorption | suction apparatus 11 in the termination position of an upstream process, you may perform this in the starting position of the upstream conveyor 6. FIG. The alignment by the second reversing device 19 is also performed in the same manner.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the panel holding part 11a of the first adsorption device 11 is arranged such that the liquid crystal panel P introduced into the bonding position by the upstream conveyor 6 is in a predetermined position in the component width direction and the rotation direction. After the alignment of the liquid crystal panel P, the liquid crystal panel P is placed at the initial position of the upstream conveyor 6. A pair of imaging devices 10 for imaging a predetermined portion of the liquid crystal panel P are provided at the end position of the upstream process so as to be symmetrical in the component width direction so that the liquid crystal panel P can be aligned.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each imaging device 10 has an illuminating unit 11 c that is spaced apart above the leading end (downstream side) in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P that has reached the end position of the upstream process. A light diffusing plate 11d that is biased and arranged on the liquid crystal panel P side between the liquid crystal panel P and the illumination unit 11c, and an illumination unit 11c that is disposed below the liquid crystal panel P and transmits the liquid crystal panel P. The alignment camera 11b that images a portion including a predetermined portion (corner portion) of the outermost edge (edge portion) of the black matrix BM in the display region P4 with light.

  The illumination unit 11c is disposed above the corners on both sides in the component width direction at the outermost edge of the black matrix BM on the leading side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P. The illumination part 11c consists of a high-intensity LED lamp, for example, and is arrange | positioned so that the optical axis c2 may be along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal panel P, and may face the said both corners.

  The light diffusing plate 11d is disposed near the liquid crystal panel P between the illumination unit 11c and the liquid crystal panel P. The light diffusing plate 11d has a flat plate shape parallel to the liquid crystal panel P, and is disposed so as to overlap with the peripheral portions of both corners in plan view of the liquid crystal panel P.

  The alignment camera 11b is arranged to face the illumination unit 11c in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal panel P so that the optical axis c1 coincides with the optical axis c2 of the illumination unit 11c. The alignment camera 11b is made up of an image sensor such as a CCD, for example, and is arranged with the light receiving portion facing upward, and receives the light of the illumination portion 11c that has transmitted around the corner portion.

  Each imaging device 10 can be moved in the component width direction, and the periphery of the corner can be imaged even when the liquid crystal panel P having a different size in the component width direction is transported.

The control unit 20 obtains position information of the liquid crystal panel P based on the imaging data of the alignment camera 11b and controls the operation of the panel holding unit 11a. Specifically, the control unit 20 performs predetermined image processing on the imaging data of the alignment camera 11b, and detects the vertex t of the both corners.
Based on the position information of the apex t of both corners, the position information of the liquid crystal panel P in the component width direction and the rotation direction is obtained.

  With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the image processing, for example, a threshold value is set for the brightness of the imaging data of the alignment camera 11b, and the light and darkness of the black matrix BM and the outline (the outline of the part that partitions the pixels) are used as noise. delete. Thus, an image in which only the outermost shape of the black matrix BM is displayed as shown in FIG. 8 is obtained from the image in which the grid pattern of the black matrix BM is displayed as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 20 finds a vertical edge e1 along the conveying direction of the liquid crystal panel P in the outermost shape and a horizontal edge e2 along the component width direction from the image after the image processing. The control unit 20 detects the intersection of the edges e1 and e2, that is, the vertex t of the corner as an alignment reference for the liquid crystal panel P. 7 may be registered in advance in the control unit 20 and the liquid crystal panel P may be aligned by collation with the registered image.

  5 and 6, the control unit 20 appropriately operates the panel holding unit 11a so as to align the liquid crystal panel P with respect to the initial position of the upstream conveyor 6 based on the position information obtained from the alignment reference. . That is, when the liquid crystal panel P is sucked and transported from the end position of the upstream process to the start position of the upstream conveyor 6, the panel holding unit 11 a is in the component width direction and the rotation direction with respect to the start position of the upstream conveyor 6 in the liquid crystal panel P. Perform positioning with.

  The illumination unit 11c is a high-intensity LED and ensures a high luminance while being relatively far apart above the liquid crystal panel P at the end position of the upstream process, so that the panel holding unit 11a sucks and conveys the liquid crystal panel P. Ensure space for movement.

  The light diffusing plate 11d is relatively small above the liquid crystal panel P at the end position of the upstream process, so that the liquid crystal panel P can be raised by a predetermined amount while the liquid crystal panel P at the time of the rise (FIG. 5). (Shown by a two-dot chain line). Thereby, the light of the illumination part 11c is effectively distributed around the corner | angular part periphery of the liquid crystal panel P at the time of the said raising, ensuring the brightness | luminance.

  The pair of imaging devices 10 are separated from each other in the component width direction, and the panel holding portion 11a can pass between them along the conveyance direction. That is, the outer dimension s1 of the panel holding portion 11a in the component width direction is made smaller than the interval s2 between the pair of imaging devices 10 (particularly, between the pair of light diffusion plates 11d close to the liquid crystal panel P). Note that the pair of imaging devices 10 may be moved and separated in the component width direction first when the panel holding unit 11a is moved.

  Here, in the existing rectangular liquid crystal panel, when alignment marks are provided only in three of the four corners in plan view, the alignment mark on the leading side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel is It may exist only at one corner in the component width direction. In this case, the alignment of the liquid crystal panel cannot be performed, and it is necessary to move the alignment camera 11b to the upstream side in the transport direction (that is, transport the liquid crystal panel to the downstream side in the transport direction from the alignment camera 11b). It is necessary to rotate the liquid crystal panel by 90 ° or 180 ° around the vertical axis.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the edge of the black matrix BM of the liquid crystal panel P is detected, and the alignment reference of the liquid crystal panel P is found from this edge, whereby a desired alignment mark is formed on the leading side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P. Even if it does not exist, the alignment reference can be found at least on both sides of the liquid crystal panel P in the component width direction. For this reason, the alignment of the liquid crystal panel P can be performed without extra transport or rotation of the liquid crystal panel P.

  Since the edge of the black matrix BM is usually located on the inner side of the outer edge in the plan view of the liquid crystal panel P, it is not easily affected by dirt and foreign matter, and is missing even when the liquid crystal panel P uses a glass substrate. It is hard to be influenced by such. For this reason, the occurrence of poor reading of the alignment reference is suppressed, and the system operation is hardly interrupted.

  In addition, when aligning liquid crystal panel P after bonding the bonding sheet | seat F5 (polarizing plate) to one or both of front and back, depending on the structure of the bonding sheet | seat F5, imaging with light, such as white of a normal wavelength, is carried out. It may become difficult (detection of alignment reference becomes difficult). In this case, the wavelength of the light from the illumination unit 11c may be changed to light such as red, blue, and green to cope with the influence of the polarizing plate.

  As described above, the optical display component alignment apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the imaging device 10 that captures an image of a predetermined position (corner) at the outermost edge of the black matrix BM in the display region P4 of the liquid crystal panel P, and the predetermined position. And a control unit 20 that performs alignment of the liquid crystal panel P using at least a part of the above as an alignment reference.

According to this configuration, even when the desired alignment mark does not exist on the leading side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P, the predetermined position at the outermost edge of the black matrix BM in the display area P4 of the liquid crystal panel P is used as the main or sub alignment reference. It can be used, and it is not necessary to take measures such as lowering the degree of freedom of installation of the image pickup device 10 or requiring extra means for rotating the liquid crystal panel P, thereby increasing the size and complexity of the equipment of the film bonding system 1. Can be suppressed.
Further, the outer edge portion of the liquid crystal panel P itself is relatively likely to be stained or chipped, and if this portion is used as an alignment reference, reading failure is likely to occur. However, the predetermined outermost edge located on the inner side of the outer edge portion may be used. By using the location as an alignment reference, it is possible to reliably read the alignment reference and improve the stability of system operation.

  Here, the optical display component alignment method in the present embodiment includes a step of imaging a predetermined portion (corner portion) of the outermost edge of the black matrix BM in the display region P4 of the liquid crystal panel P, and at least a part of the predetermined portion. The alignment reference includes a step of aligning the liquid crystal panel P, and the same effects as those of the optical display component alignment apparatus can be obtained.

Further, in the optical display component alignment apparatus, the imaging device 10 is provided on both sides of the component width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction in the liquid crystal panel P, and images the corner portion of the outermost edge in the conveyance direction. The controller 20 can easily find the alignment reference on both sides in the component width direction orthogonal to the transport direction on the leading side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P by using the apex t of the corner as the alignment reference. Alignment can be performed promptly when the leading side in the transport direction of the liquid crystal panel P reaches a predetermined position.
At this time, since the imaging device 10 is provided so as to be movable in the component width direction, alignment of the liquid crystal panels P having different component widths can be easily handled.

The optical display component alignment apparatus includes the illumination unit 11c that the imaging device 10 is arranged on one side of the front and back sides of the liquid crystal panel P and emits light toward the predetermined portion, and the front and back sides of the liquid crystal panel P. An alignment camera 11b that is disposed on the other side and receives light from the illumination unit 11c that has passed through the predetermined location and images the predetermined location, so that the light from the illumination unit 11c that has transmitted through the predetermined location The predetermined location can be clearly imaged by the alignment camera 11b, and the alignment reference can be found well.
At this time, the imaging device 10 has the light diffusion plate 11d disposed between the predetermined portion and the illumination unit 11c on the front and back sides of the liquid crystal panel P, so that the predetermined portion is irradiated. The brightness of the light of the illumination part 11c can be ensured, and the arrangement | positioning freedom degree of the illumination part 11c can be raised.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a liquid crystal panel using reflected light of the liquid crystal panel P by light of the illumination unit 11c provided on the alignment camera 11b side or natural light (light on the spot) is used. P may be imaged. At least one of the optical axes c1 and c2 of the alignment camera 11b and the illumination unit 11c is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal panel P, or the optical axes c1 and c2 of the alignment camera 11b and the illumination unit 11c are shifted from each other. You may arrange. An optical member may be bonded to at least one of the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal panel P from above. Not only the top of the corner of the outermost edge of the black matrix BM but also the cut or step of the outermost edge may be used as the alignment reference. The liquid crystal panel P may be aligned by combining the edge of the black matrix BM and another alignment mark.

  In addition, the present invention is applied to various optical display devices such as an optical display device in which an optical member is bonded to only one of the front and back surfaces of an optical display component, and a backlight or a reflector arranged as an illumination system. Also good. In forming the optical display device, a configuration in which one or two or more appropriate parts such as a diffusion plate, an antiglare layer, an antireflection film, a protective plate, a prism array, and a lens array sheet are arranged at appropriate positions may be employed.

In the present invention, the optical members to be bonded to both the front and back surfaces of the optical display component may have the same configuration or different configurations. The bonding process of each optical member may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, and when not performed simultaneously, either of the front and back surfaces may be performed first. The optical member may be completely cut for each liquid crystal panel to form individual sheet pieces, and the sheet pieces may be conveyed and bonded to the liquid crystal panel.
And the structure in the said embodiment is an example of this invention, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of the said invention.

1 Film bonding system (Optical display device production system)
10 Imaging device 11b Alignment camera (camera)
11c Illumination unit 11d Light diffusing plate 20 Control unit P Liquid crystal panel (optical display component)
P4 display area BM black matrix t vertex

Claims (5)

An imaging device for imaging a predetermined portion of the outermost edge of the black matrix in the display region of the optical display component;
A controller that performs alignment of the optical display component using at least a part of the predetermined portion as an alignment reference;
The imaging device is disposed on one side of the optical display component and illuminates light toward the predetermined location, and is disposed on the other side of the optical display component and transmits the predetermined location. The black matrix provided on at least one of both sides of the optical display component in the component width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the optical display component. An alignment device for an optical display component, wherein an image is taken of a corner portion on a leading side in the transport direction of the outermost edge of the optical display component.   2. The optical display component alignment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects an apex of the corner and uses the apex as an alignment reference. 3.   The optical display component alignment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is provided to be movable in the component width direction. The imaging device, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a light diffusing plate disposed between the predetermined portion and the illumination portion on the front and back one side of the optical display components Alignment device for optical display parts. Imaging a predetermined portion of the outermost edge of the black matrix in the display area of the optical display component;
And aligning the optical display component with at least a part of the predetermined portion as an alignment reference,
In the imaging step, an illumination unit that is disposed on one side of the front and back of the optical display component and emits light toward the predetermined portion, and is disposed on the other side of the front and back of the optical display component and transmits the predetermined portion A camera that receives light from the illuminating unit and captures the predetermined location, and at least one of both sides of the optical display component in the component width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the outermost edge of the black matrix. An alignment method for an optical display component, wherein an image is taken of a corner on the leading side in the transport direction.

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